Masahiro Tanaka dominates Mariners in 4-2 win
By Mike Marteny
Yankees phenom Masahiro Tanaka pitched another gem tonight against the Mariners. He pitched his second complete game of the season, giving up just six hits, a walk, and two runs. He struck out 11 and picked up his tenth win, tying him with Mark Buehrle for the league lead, in the 4-2 victory.
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The only blemish on Tanaka’s brilliant night was a two run home run by former Yankee Robinson Cano with one out in the ninth inning after outfielder James Jones reached on an infield single.
The Yankees left Tanaka in. How did he respond? He struck out Kyle Seager and Logan Morrison looking to end the game.
Most of the damage for the Yankees was done by first baseman Mark Teixeira. Tex hit a three run home run in the fifth inning to put the Yankees up 4-0.
Tanaka picked up his fourth game of double digit strikeouts, but the first since April 27th.
Tanaka now has a stellar 10-1 record with a 2.02 ERA in 13 starts. If that isn’t dominant enough, here’s more:
He has thrown 93.2 innings and given up only 74 hits and 14 walks. He has also struck out 103 batters already.
His shortest outing of the season was in his last start where he lasted “just” six innings against the Athletics. He still gave up only one run though.
Tanaka’s only non-quality start came in a loss to the Cubs on May 20th. He gave up four runs in that contest (three earned).
Do you guys still think that Jose Abreu is a lock for AL Rookie of the Year? Tanaka might even be the front runner for the AL Cy Young award as well!
Tanaka will take the mound next on Tuesday against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium.